motivation

Last week I listened to a wonderful audio book, had a good 6 mile run, and I manged to do a well with my drum lessons in spite of horrible allergies and meds making me feel groggy.  And I found some new motivation to keep going, to push myself just a bit.
To this morning we set out to do a seven mile run - my longest run in years.  And not only did I do it - I did it faster than I predicted.  Feeling pretty good about things right now :)

Even when I don't want to

We all have those days - we would rather end the day sitting on a bench instead of running or walking or working out.  This time of year there are more of those days with the sun setting and darkness coming well before dinner time.  Most days we are heading out of the parking lot in the dusk of the day.  Makes it hard to get out to the trail.  And once I am home, it is very hard to get myself motivated to do a work out video or climb up on the elliptical. 
So, what to do?  My main tactic is to pack my bag before I leave home in the morning.  I pack about three options so I can do an inside workout or pile on the layers to go to the trail. 
My back up tactic is to tell someone else I am going to work out.  Asking my running buddy to go for a run after work or telling a co-worker that I will meet her at FitClub.  It is harder to slip out when you have made your intentions known.
Here are some more ideas on how to get out even when you don't want to.

a seasonal challenge

There has been a lot of talk this last week about how to avoid gaining weight during the holidays.  The hardest thing is getting your exercise in when the weather has turned cold and wet.  At work, we are doing a No-gain/Maintain challenge.  Everyone who maintains or gains no more than 1 pound between Nov. 23 and Jan. 3 will be entered in a drawing (losing weight is okay too). 

Then I saw this idea on the Runner's World twitter feed - a challenge to run at least one mile every day beginning today.  Seems do-able.  One mile - in the rain, in the snow, in the dark.  I know that I can run to the bottom of my development and back home again to get that mile in so I am in! 

What motivates you to move?

My Nike+ Mini dances around the screen
giving me encouragement

I am generally externally motivated.  I know, I know, we talk to parents all the time about helping kids develop internal motivation but the truth is, when it comes to doing the things that are good for me, I look for motivation from many sources.
My motivation for running has been boosted by my participation in some online running challenges.  I started with the 100 Mile Challenge blog (currently on a break).  Then Lori created a Spring challenge on her fitness blog. Last December, found the Nike site.  I can sync my runs using my phone and my Nike+ app but even better, I came across a monthly running challenge - Women Run 50 miles. 
So, here is it, November 5, I  have run 7 miles since November 1 and I am in 15th place!  But, today is Saturday and I know I can get in a nice run so I am expecting to climb up that challenge listing and who knows, by the end of the weekend I might be in the top 10! 
What motivates you to move?